Genetically modified (GM) crops and seeds are gathering attention as a significant step for increasing agricultural output. Traditionally, the agriculture industry has been supportive of technological advancement especially in areas of genetic crop improvement. The mixing of genetic traits of seeds naturally has been a practice that the agricultural industry has been following for decades in the search to develop robust varieties. However, the modification method used with GM seeds varies from traditional method, wherein the genes are not modified over generations of cross-fertilization, but rather directly inserted into the DNA of the seed.

According to Transparency Market Research, the global GMO crops and seeds market is likely to reach a valuation of US$36,653.2 mn by the end of 2022, expanding at a CAGR of 8.3% for the 2017-2022 forecast period.

Use of Genetically Modified Corn as Insecticide Accounts for Large Volume Production in U.S.

The GMO crops and seeds market is likely to benefit due to the use of genetically modified crops as an effective insecticide. In the U.S., eighty-five percent of corn produced is genetically modified, as per the Center for Food Safety. Large volume of genetically modified corn is engineered to produce a soil bacterium called bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is an effective insecticide. This accounts for dominance of corn among other genetically modified crops.

Bt corn that is created by inserting a gene into the DNA of the plant reduces the need of a broad spectrum of insecticides. Most pesticides that are used on crops to kill all insects, including the ones that are harmless and beneficial to plant growth. On the other hand, Bt acts only on insects that are susceptible to the toxin and only destroys insects that have ingested Bt corn.

Health and Safety Concerns Associated with GM Crops

The safety of genetically modified crop is a serious consideration among researchers around the world. While the reduced usage of pesticide is favorable for human health, the health implications of genetically modified crops are not yet fully understood. As per the Center for Food Safety, Bt corn can trigger an allergic response as the actual DNA of the corn has been altered.

Environmental Impact of GM Crops

The use of genetically modified crops has an environmental upside. For instance, Bt corn helps protect beneficial insects such as honey bees from harmful pesticides. Genetically modified crops have been associated with contamination of other crops. This makes organic farming difficult where genetic modifications are not allowed. For example, cross pollination has already led to elimination of large varieties of heirloom corn. Genetically modified crops pose a threat to aquatic life as well. For example, the toxin released by Bt corn, which kills crop-destroying insects, if mixed with nearby stream can have a negative impact on aquatic life.

North America to Continue to Remain Attractive Region for GM Crops and Seeds

Geography-wise, North America holds supremacy in the global GMO crops and seeds market and the trend is expected to continue over the 2017-2022 forecast period. However, Europe is expected to surpass in terms of growth rate over the aforementioned forecast period. Asia Pacific except Japan also stands as a key regional market for GM crops and seeds.

Genetically modified (GMO) crops and seeds offer a host of advantages of which advantages of increased agricultural productivity and reduced need of environmentally harmful pesticides are prominent ones. The reduced availability of arable land is leading to the use of GMO crops and seeds to speed up crop production.

GMO seeds offer premium characteristics to increase agricultural output, enable longer shelf life, and offer greater resistance to insects. Manufacturers of GMO crops and seeds are developing new GM crops that not only offer resistance to pests and diseases, but also offer increased tolerance to herbicides such as vitamin A-fortified rice and wheat, pesticides such as cowpea and beans, and drought tolerant biofortified bananas and maize.

GMO crops and seeds are not proven to be harmful to humans, but research suggests that modified crops may negatively impact food chains and the environment. These factors have led to a mixed response among farmers about the adoption of GMO crops and seeds.

GMO crops may pose health hazards that range from toxicity to increased risk of allergies, however, regulations in place to ensure adequate safety of GM technologies go too far.

Global GMO Crops and Seeds Market: Market Segmentation

In this report, the global GMO crops and seeds market is studied on the basis of crop type, trait, sales channel, and geography. On the basis of crop type, the global GMO crops and seeds market is classified into corn, soyabean, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, zucchini, papaya, potato, apple and others. Corn represents the leading crop type segment in the global GMO crops and seeds market. This is because large volume of corn produced in developed countries is genetically modified, which is further engineered to produce a soil bacterium which is an effective insecticide.

In terms of trait, the segments of the global GMO crops and seeds market are herbicide tolerance, insect tolerance, and other traits. On the basis of sales channel, direct sales, modern trade, e-retailers, and other retail outlets are the segments that divide the global GMO crops and seeds market in this report.

The report divides the global GMO crops and seeds market into the regions of North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific except Japan, Japan, and the Middle East and Africa.

On the basis of geography, North America tops among other regional markets for GMO crops and seeds vis-à-vis revenue. The regional market of North America is expected to expand at a significant growth rate over the 2017- 2022 forecast period and continue to remain the most attractive regional market.

However, Europe is expected to surpass in terms of growth rate for the forecast period between 2017 and 2022.